Art Gallery of Ontario

Founded in 1900 as the Art Museum of Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) has evolved from a modest local collection into one of the most prominent art institutions in North America. Its early years were defined by its home at The Grange, a historic manor built in 1817, which remains a central part of the gallery's campus today. As the collection grew, the museum expanded multiple times, reflecting the city's own cultural maturation and its increasing commitment to preserving both national and international heritage. The most significant architectural evolution occurred in 2008 with a massive renovation led by the world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. Gehry, who spent his childhood just blocks away from the museum, infused the building with a sense of movement and light. His design featured the iconic Galleria Italia, a 450-foot-long glass and wood sculpture-like facade that looks like a ship’s hull, seamlessly blending the historic brick structures with modern, avant-garde aesthetics. This transformation not only doubled the exhibition space but also turned the building itself into a work of art. Today, the AGO boasts a staggering collection of over 120,000 works, spanning from the first century to the present day. It is celebrated for its unparalleled collection of Canadian art, including the iconic works of the Group of Seven, and the world's largest public collection of sculptures by Henry Moore. By championing Indigenous voices and hosting world-class touring exhibitions, the AGO continues to serve as a vital cultural hub that connects Toronto to the global art community.